Vita
48; born in Reno, Nev.; bachelor’s from The College of William & Mary and law degree from UNC Chapel Hill; married to husband, David, with daughter, Estelle, son, Will, and resident guard dog, Toby.
Why she chose to specialize in this field
I came out of my clerkship with [N.C. Supreme Court Justice Henry Frye] assuming that I would do commercial litigation in private practice. Luckily, the firm I joined didn’t pigeonhole new associates into practice areas because I was done with litigation after about nine months. Having had the opportunity to do corporate work as well, I was able to pivot early, and I never looked back. I quickly realized that I enjoy the process of mapping out how to accomplish a transaction efficiently and with the appropriate level of risk reduction. Being in-house gives me a broader view of the business and the opportunity to influence decision-making to prevent or mitigate issues earlier in their life cycle.
What she’d be if not a lawyer
The owner of a bookstore specializing in children’s books or an interior decorator.
Best advice received
Never jump headfirst into dark water — helpful both literally and figuratively.
Favorite vacation
Alaska cruise. We got to celebrate my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary as a whole family while seeing unforgettable sights like whales and glaciers and vast wilderness.
Favorite book
A Prayer for Owen Meany. I love how the main character speaks in capital letters,and it made me cry at the end.
Favorite movie
The Princess Bride. It never gets old.
Passions
Yoga and tap dancing. (Not at the same time!)
